How do I tell a fraudulent Check?

Seeking Advice
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As a new teller, I’m seeking some guidance on identifying fraudulent activities, especially since they can potentially resurface within a three-year timeframe and jeopardize my job security. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Do you not learn that stuff in College?
Anyway, to identify a fraudulent check, just look for the common red flags in the check. The main red flags are:

  • Check the Bank Logo: Look for the bank’s logo on the front of the check. If it’s faded, faint, or missing, the check is likely fake.
  • Find the Check Number: Legitimate checks issued by a bank have a check number. It appears at the top right corner. If there’s no check number, the check is fake. Also, compare the check number with the one in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line at the bottom of the check

These are the main things to look upon to know if the check. The other guys hopefully will add more

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Let me tell you how to spot a bogus check! First, look at the paper. Real checks are printed on thick, matte stock, not thin and flimsy like printer paper. If you dampen your finger and rub it gently on the ink, it shouldn’t smear - that’s a sign of a counterfeit. Scrutinize the check for typos or weird formatting, and make sure there’s a MICR line (that’s the fancy code at the bottom with magnetic ink) - real checks always have one. If anything seems off, it’s best to play it safe and check with your bank before depositing it.

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hi brother how to counter check the documents ,signatures, photos of customer,doing thorough due diligence to weed out fraudsters

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A genuine bank check will always feature a check number located at the top right corner. Absence of a check number is a clear sign of a counterfeit check.

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I work in fraud and review fraudulent checks daily. You’ll never catch every fraudulent check. In my experience across various institutions, I’ve never seen anyone get fired for depositing a fraudulent check. However, I always advise branch staff to use the transit check database (most banks have it), which shows images of every transit check negotiated at your institution over the past few years. Also, pay attention to fonts and memo notes. Common phrases in the memo of fraudulent checks include “approved payment” and “perfect attendance.” These checks are often written for just under your bank’s hold/override threshold. The most important thing is not to be afraid to get a second set of eyes on the check. There’s no harm in having someone else review it, even if the customer complains.

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hey Vinic, Here’s how to tell if a check is fake:

  1. Rough Edges: Real checks are usually torn from a book, so look for clean edges.
  2. Bank Logo and Address: A real check has the bank’s logo and address on the front.
  3. MICR Line: The line of numbers at the bottom should be clear and well-printed.
  4. Check Number: Make sure the check has a number on it.
  5. Paper and Ink Quality: Real checks use high-quality paper and ink.
  6. Other Irregularities: Look for anything unusual or out of place.